A Battersea memorial which commemorates people who died in the Second World War has been restored by Wandsworth Council as part of a local conservation project.

The Citizens of Battersea War Memorial, in Christchurch Gardens, has now been fully refurbished as part of a £15,000 scheme by the conservation and heritage team.

In collaboration with leisure and culture contractor Enable, several repairs were made and the centrepiece’s stone tablet which says, ‘To the memory of the men, women, and children of Battersea who lost their lives in the World War 1939 – 1945’.

Councillor Jonathan Cook, the council’s environment spokesman, said: “This has been an excellent project to safeguard the future of a very important local landmark.

“This is a monument to the ordinary men, women and children of Battersea whose lives were lost in the war, mainly as a result of bombing raids.

"There are of course many memorials to the servicemen and women who fought and died in the war but very few exist to commemorate the victims of air attacks which took so many civilian lives, not just in London but in towns and cities across the country."

“I am delighted that this special memorial in Battersea has been protected and preserved for future generations.”

The monument, first unveiled in 1952, was next to the ruins of a mid-19th Century church which was bombed and destroyed during the war.

There is public seating available in Cabul Road as well where people can pay their respects.

Councillor Tony Belton, Wandsworth Labour’s Latchmere, said: “This is a welcome improvement for an important Battersea landmark.

"Over 400 local women, children and men died in the bombings in the Second World War. In their honour Wandsworth Council commissioned the memorial which still stands in Christchurch Gardens. It was supported by public subscription.

"Sharing the wartime heritage behind the memorial is important for the people of Battersea, particularly for local children and young people.

"We should safeguard this heritage for the future. Christchurch Gardens would really benefit from a local 'Friends' group of volunteers, who can promote and champion the park."